Dan Windham

Schools in Ripon have written to parents warning them over ‘stranger danger’ after a 10-year-old boy was told to get in a white van in Lead Lane on Saturday, September 12.

It was reported the van parked near Moorside Infant School in Ripon before a man inside instructed the boy to get in as he walked past.

The boy refused, ran away and informed his mother about the incident who then reported it to police who have now visited schools in the area for reassurance.

The schools have now sent texts and letts to parents to inform them of concerns as well as talking to pupils about how to keep themselves safe.

A spokesperson from North Yorkshire County Council said: “Holy Trinity Church of England junior school, along with other schools in the Ripon area, are working with North Yorkshire Police to reassure the community and to investigate the nature of a report of a man in a white van approaching a primary-aged child in the Ripon area.

“Local schools, in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council, take issues of children’s safeguarding extremely seriously and give the highest priority to safeguarding measures and procedures. They are working with the police to investigate the matter.”

The van is described as a white Transit van, with dents and some rust, with three men inside.

Police have increased patrols in the area to reassure the local community but have stressed that incidents of child abduction are rare.

A police spokesman said: “We understand that a report of this nature would cause concern in the local area and we have increased patrols locally to provide reassurance to our communities.

“Incidents of child abduction are thankfully rare and we are continuing the investigation to confirm the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has seen a van of this description in the Lead Lane area of Ripon is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police. Dial 101, press option 1 and pass information on to the Force Control Room.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number 12150161053 when passing on information about the incident.